Xingyi history

The city of Xingyi, located in the Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, boasts a rich administrative and cultural history closely tied to its strategic position in the southwest of Guizhou Province.

Foundation and Administrative History

The first significant administrative structures in the territory of modern Xingyi appeared during the Qing Empire. Key stages in the city's history include:

• 1727: The Nanlong Prefecture was established in Guizhou Province.
• 1797: Following the suppression of a local uprising, Nanlong Prefecture was renamed Xingyi Prefecture (兴义府), and Xingyi County (兴义县) was formed within it.
• 1913: After the Xinhai Revolution and the reform of administrative divisions, prefectures were abolished.
• 1987: Xingyi County was transformed into a county-level city, cementing its status as an important regional centre.

Key Development Factors

The development of Xingyi was defined by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: Situated at the junction of Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangxi provinces, Xingyi has historically served as a vital transport hub. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became a significant commercial and military centre.
• Political Power: As the centre of a prefecture, then a county, and finally an autonomous prefecture, the city concentrated administrative functions, which facilitated its growth.
• Natural Resources: The region is rich in natural landscapes, such as the famous karst Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks and the Maling River Canyon, making it a tourism hub in the modern era.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, the history of Xingyi has been closely linked with indigenous peoples. This region is home to the Buyei and Miao ethnic groups, who continue to make up a significant part of the population today. Their rich cultural traditions, including crafts like embroidery and silver jewellery making, as well as unique customs, have shaped the city's distinctive character. The economy was initially agrarian, but thanks to its location, the city also developed as a centre of trade between various regions.

Timeline of Key Events

• Late Paleolithic: Archaeological findings in the Maomao Cave (Maomao Dong) indicate ancient human activity in the territory of modern Xingyi as early as this era.
• 1727: As part of the Qing Empire's administrative reforms, the Nanlong Prefecture (南笼府) was created in this territory.
• 1797: After suppressing a local uprising, Nanlong Prefecture was renamed Xingyi Prefecture (兴义府), and Xingyi County was formed within it.
• 1862: A major rebellion broke out in the region, taking nearly ten years to suppress, which significantly impacted life and governance in the area.
• 1913: Following the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the monarchy in China, a reform was implemented whereby prefectures were abolished, while Xingyi County remained as the primary administrative unit.
• December 1949: Establishment of control by the Communist Party of China over Xingyi County following the conclusion of the Civil War.
• 1982: The Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture was established, with Xingyi becoming its administrative centre.
• 1987: Xingyi County was officially transformed into a county-level city, reflecting its growing importance as a regional hub.
• 2004: Opening of the Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport, which significantly improved the city's transport accessibility and promoted tourism development.
• 2000s – Present: The city actively establishes itself as a major tourist destination thanks to its unique natural attractions, such as the Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks and the Maling River Canyon.

The history of the city of Xingyi is closely tied to its strategic location in the southwest of China, at the junction of three provinces. The city has come a long way from a small administrative centre to a vital tourist and economic hub of the region.

• Foundation and Early Administrative Status (1727-1797). The first significant administrative structures in this territory appeared in the 18th century during the Qing Empire. In 1727, the Nanlong Prefecture was established, and in 1797, after the suppression of a local uprising, it was renamed Xingyi, and a county of the same name appeared within it.
• Trade and Military Hub (Ming and Qing Dynasties). Thanks to its location at the intersection of trade routes between the provinces of Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangxi, Xingyi historically developed as an important commercial and military centre. This contributed to economic growth and population influx.
• 20th Century Reforms. Following the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 and subsequent administrative reform in 1913, prefectures were abolished, but Xingyi County remained, continuing to play the role of a local centre. Throughout the 20th century, the city underwent several administrative transformations reflecting general political changes in the country.
• Attaining City Status (1987). An important milestone in modern history was the transformation of Xingyi County into a county-level city in 1987. This event cemented its growing economic importance and provided impetus for accelerated urban planning and infrastructure development.
• Capital of the Autonomous Prefecture. Today, Xingyi is the capital of the Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. This status highlights not only its administrative but also its cultural significance as a centre for the Buyei and Miao ethnic groups, whose traditions enrich the city's cultural landscape.
• Tourism Development (Late 20th – Early 21st Century). In the modern era, the city's economy has received a powerful boost through tourism development. Unique natural attractions, such as the Maling River Canyon and the karst landscape "Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks", began attracting travellers from all over the world, turning Xingyi into one of the key tourist centres of Guizhou Province.
• Transport Modernisation. The development of Xingyi as a transport hub continues to this day. The construction of high-speed railways and the modernisation of the airport have strengthened its connections with other major cities in China, fostering further economic and cultural growth.

The architectural appearance of the city of Xingyi is a multi-layered canvas where traditional dwellings of ethnic minorities, classical Chinese motifs, and dynamic modern urban planning intertwine harmoniously. Located in the Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, the city reflects the cultural heritage of the Buyei and Miao peoples, whose architecture is its calling card.

One of the most recognisable features of the region's historical development is the traditional stilt houses, known as "Diaojiaolou" (diàojiǎolóu). Such structures, characteristic of the Miao and Buyei peoples, were built primarily of wood on hillsides and riverbanks. Constructed without a single nail, using complex mortise and tenon joints, this design allowed for the creation of multi-level dwellings. Typically, the lower tier was used for keeping livestock and storing tools, the middle tier served as living space, and the upper tier was intended for storing grain. Also characteristic of the Buyei people's architecture are sturdy and picturesque houses built from local stone, demonstrating perfect adaptation to the mountain landscape.

Alongside ethnic architecture, the classical Han style spread in cities across China from the times of the Ming and Qing dynasties. In Xingyi, which was historically an administrative and trade centre, this style manifested in the layout of temples, government buildings, and the homes of wealthy merchants. These were characterised by buildings with brick walls, wooden frames, and richly decorated tiled roofs with curved eaves. Often, structures formed an enclosed courtyard based on the "Siheyuan" principle, creating a secluded and functional space for life and work.

The modern stage of urban development, which began in the late 20th century, has radically changed the face of Xingyi. The city is actively being built up with modern high-rise buildings, including hotels, office and shopping centres, as well as residential complexes. The new architecture follows national trends: functionality, the use of modern materials such as glass and steel, and a drive to create a comfortable urban environment with parks and public spaces. At the same time, developers often strive to integrate new projects into the unique natural landscape surrounding the city, drawing inspiration from the famous karst peaks.

Prominent Figures Associated with Xingyi

The city of Xingyi and its surroundings became the birthplace of many influential figures, especially during the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era, when the so-called "Xingyi Clique" played a key role in the politics of Guizhou Province and China as a whole.

• Liu Guanli (刘官礼, 1840–1910): Educator and public figure. He was a key figure in the development of education in the region. In 1889, Liu Guanli rebuilt the Bishan Academy (笔山书院) with his own funds, making it one of the leading educational institutions in the province and financing the studies of many talented students, including the future General He Yingqin.
• Liu Xianshi (刘显世, 1870–1927): Warlord and politician. Head of the "Xingyi Clique", which dominated Guizhou in the early 20th century. He was the military governor of the province and played an important role in the political events of the Warlord Era.
• Zhang Bailin (张百麟, 1879–1912): Revolutionary. One of the leaders of the Xinhai Revolution in Guizhou, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy in China. He was an important figure in the early republican movement in the province.
• Wang Wenhua (王文华, 1887–1921): Warlord. A talented commander and nephew of Liu Xianshi, he was one of the most influential figures in the Guizhou army. Wang strove to modernise the troops, but his career was tragically cut short by assassination.
• He Yingqin (何应钦, 1890–1987): General and Premier of the Republic of China. A native of Xingyi, he became one of the highest-ranking military commanders in the Kuomintang army and a close associate of Chiang Kai-shek. In 1945, he accepted the surrender of Japanese troops on behalf of China.
• Wang Boqun (王伯群, 1885–1944): Educator and politician. The elder brother of Wang Wenhua, he had a brilliant career in the government of the Republic of China, serving as Minister of Transport. He was also the founder and first president of Daxia University in Shanghai.